Key Insights
- Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy in music and culture.
- She was an 11-time Grammy winner and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
- Numerous artists, including Mick Jagger and Paul Stanley, paid tribute to her impact on music.
- Parton’s final album, Rockstar, featured collaborations with iconic musicians and was released in 2023.
Dolly Parton, the beloved country singer whose influential presence in music and pop culture spanned several generations, has died at the age of 80.
News of Parton’s passing was announced via her official Facebook page, where the singer’s nephew — in a pre-recorded video — recalled how Parton “opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent.”
Parton’s enduring popularity rivaled some of the biggest names in music history. She was an 11-time Grammy winner, had her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was revered for her many philanthropic efforts, and in 2022 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The latter experience inspired Parton to record an album of classic rock covers called Rockstar, which was released in 2023. Guests on the LP included Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Nikki Sixx, Peter Frampton, Stevie Nicks and Rob Halford of Judas Priest.
READ MORE: Dolly Parton's Greatest Rock Covers
As news of Parton’s death became public, Halford was among those who took to social media to pay their respects. “I love you Dolly,” the metal great wrote on Instagram, his message accompanied by the emoji of hands in prayer.
“What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was,” wrote Rolling Stones’ frontman Mick Jagger. “She brought so many people together; we will all miss her so much.”
Kiss’ Paul Stanley called Parton a “true icon,” while Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers described her as a “shining light.” Elsewhere, Joan Jett called Parton a “one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius,” while Jack White declared that Parton deserved “instant sainthood.” In a heartfelt post, Poison singer Bret Michaels wrote: “Dolly, you have forever added so much to our world and will forever be loved.”
These tributes and more can be found below.
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